France prepares for more demonstrations

French trade unions have called for record turnout at protests on Thursday, after negotiations with the government over a controversial pension reform bill broke down. Union representatives met with Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Wednesday, warning that they would walk out if Borne refused to entertain the idea of bringing the retirement age back to 62 from 64. Borne refused, and the union representatives walked out, calling for strikes and mass demonstrations the following day. The text in question was passed last month, invoking special constitutional powers to enact the pension reform legislation without a parliamentary vote. The bill is currently being examined by France’s Constitutional Council, which will issue a verdict on its legality next week.